Feb 20 05:51:34 106 PA
From Chronicles
It's Saturday night at the Alibi and an hour into prime time, things are hopping. Talk, laughter, raised voices and music all battle for supremacy whilst some dance on the dancefloor and others enjoy a more sedate drink with companions or alone. One can find people of most stripes here, from the discreet well to do to the behaving ganger. All are welcome and all will find a place where one can enjoy a good time. So long as no trouble is caused. One dark rock amongst the flow of merriment is Desmond, who stands near to the bar, though not at it, his arms lifted to cross over his broad chest. Armored and armed, he observes the doings about the nightclub with a quiet attentiveness, much the same as the other armored individuals who provide security here. That the still carry weapons being the thing that most sets them apart from the rest.
Leonard passes easily through the door check, given that he has nothing to surrender for the public safety. Either he planned ahead for a night at the club, or simply does not regularly tote around weapons of mass destruction. The level of activity and enjoyment within draws a smile upon the young man's face as he moves towards the bar, and the same smile is offered along with a nod to the imposing feline nearby. Desmond may be on somber alert, but Leonard does recall his previous graciousness as host. "Evening."
Desmond turns his attention to Leonard as the man nears the bar. Indeed, he's in quite a different mode today. But he does return the nod with his own, rumbling his response in that deep, rolling voice of his. "Evening to you." A vague sense of recognition. It was a busy day with a sea of faces, after all. There is a pause for a moment, then an added, "There is something you require?"
"Ever the gracious host." Leonard chuckles, "Thank you, but I still remember where the bar is. I don't want to distract you too much, in case some decide to have too much fun..." A brow lifts some as he wonders if the armed posturing is standard and was merely abandoned for the prior special occassion. "Trouble isn't expected, I hope?"
"I oversee more than act in the now, there is no concern for distraction if you have need," Desmond rumbles deeply. His eyes lift then and flick to gaze outward for a moment, fixed intently on someone amid the cluster. Perhaps. Though even after his eyes return to Leo, his ears remain angled towards the bulk of the patrons, seeming to swivel independently of his conscious attention. "Times have been troubled. None is expected, but we do not take chances here."
Leonard nods, stepping farther just enough to pass on his drink order to one of the bar attentants. "So I'd noticed. I barely arrived ahead of what I've heard is just the most recent of undead troubles. I'm not sure if I should be surprised or expectant of the crowd, tonight, with all that is going on, but you're right. Never can be too careful."
Desmond looks towards teh crowd again, though this time in a more general, sweeping way. For a few moments before he returns his attention to Leo. "Some wish to forget what goes on in the night. They wish to be with others, to be in a place of light and life. And some simply care not what else goes on. This place is here to provide for those needs in others. A safe place for any who would keep the peace." He considers Leonard briefly before he wonders, "Of which are you? Or are you of another sort?"
"It's a waste to fear the dark or what might lurk in it, and foolish to ignore it. Better to understand it, fight it, manage it." Leonard notes, pausing to accept the purplish pick me up that arrives and rearding it a moment before taking a swallow, "Enjoyable company in a safe place is always welcome, though. Few would want to be alone, I'd think." "There are some," Desmond says, his eyes shifting towards the drink that Leo takes up, once delivered. Observed, catalogued, but not commented upon. "Your words are wise ones. One must understand the enemy to combat it. Understand one's allies to know their strength and worth." There is a pause as Desmond considers Leo. "Though some things are easy to know. You use the arts of magic, for one." Perhaps not the most difficult observation, though Leo has no sign about his neck.
The catalogued drink is lifted to the feline in salute with a mild grin. "It's the cloak, isn't it? I do dress the part... Or do you have the same nose as those baying hounds?" Leonard's mirth fades notably, though he remains polite enough... and shifts the topic back from himself. "It would be wonderful if everyone agreed with wisdom. Unfortunately, shoot first and ask questions after seems the tactic for most."
"Yes, I can smell it on you." Now, while some might have said it in a less than comforting manner before, Desmond states it as a simple, neutral fact. As one might comment on an unremarkable cologne. That said, he nods once. "If all adhered to simple wisdom, the world would be a more ordered place. But such is not to be the way. All have their own ways, their own means. One is charged to find their own way amongst the rest."
"Maybe enough paths will head in the same, decent direction." Leonard rolls his shoulders before taking a longer quaff of his drink. "This city is certainly encourages that hope more than others, and is ordered enough for my tastes. It does make it a target, though. The jealous, the insane, the hungry..."
From the back office, Aimee appears. She is dressed for the saturday night, blatant sexuality showing as she moves across. Her steps take her directly towards Desmond and his companion, her smile lighting up as she nears him. "Mon chat." She calls softly, before she arrives, making her way towards them. As she nears, the bar staff have her drink ready, placing it beside Desmond.
"Perhaps, but it also draws the powerful to defend it.," Desmond puts forth. "Of course, .one could hardly expect such a thing to be ever in balance. All things fall in time. It is only a matter of time before this place sees such events. Though perhaps not until my time has passed." Such a dire assessment of the future spoken of without negative lean in his firmly neutral tone. His ears flick towards Aimee when her voice sounds and his head turns. And there is a 'softening' of that firm mask of an expression. "My Aimee," he rumbles to her, one of his arms lifting to extend towards her.
Leonard turns towards the woman's voice, and his gaze loiters a moment before he remembers to smile and greet. "Good evening..." He momentarily withdraws from the conversation to consume the remaining violet concoction in his glass. "Nothing lasts forever, of course, but a good long while would be enough for most of us."
Aimee slides into Desmond's arms as if she is practiced in that movement, pressing a light kiss against the feline's cheek, obvious affection in her actions. "You look tres serious." She comments softly, turning her green eyes towards the other man, questioningly. "I am Aimee, and you... I think, non, we have not met." She tilts her head slightly, giving Leonard a thoughtful look over. "And so, what makes you both so serious?"
Desmond wraps Aimee in a careful embrace, ever mindful of his armor when he's clad in it. The kiss responded to with a nuzzle against her lips before he straightens again. His grip will remain light on her for now, allowing freedom of movement for the smaller woman as he responds to the two. "We speak of the current day, which is enough to make for serious discussion. The frailty of all things is something to consider, but Kingsdale is not so frail yet." Nodding his head as that last is directed to Leo.
"I don't think we have, properly. Leonard... and I believe the pleasure is mostly his." Aimee receives a nod with a widening grin, and Desmond a gesture from Leonard's empty glass before it is set upon the tray of a convenietly passing serveuse. "Not so frail, and not always serious, thankfully. I'm sure that if I keep filling my hand with a drink, I won't be so somber quite quickly."
"It is serious times, indeed." Aimee concurs softly, reaching for her own drink, taking it up to sip it slowly. Her green eyes regard Leonard across the brim of the glass, twinkling a little. "Kingsdale, it has perhaps a hardness in its centre, it makes it perhaps live a little longer." She lifts her shoulder lightly, leaning against Desmond, her face serious.
"Desmond," the big feline offers to Leo in return for his own name. His eyes dip subtly, lingering on the top of Aimee's head as the talk goes before him. Thoughtfulness passing without indication of content as his attention lifts to the current talk. "You are welcome to drink as you like, but we do not provide assistance to your home," he notes. Perhaps a common warning he's given, as it slides forth with ease. Perhaps not fully attuned to the talk as that is all be puts in.
Leonard chuckles at Desmond's warning. "I do wish to leave under my own power, and not make an utter fool of myself, so I will be cautious... and I don't believe the city will fall apart anytime soon. It seems thriving to me, and I have not had time to see even half of it."
Aimee rests her glass down onto the bar, giving Leonard a warm smile as she does so. "I think, me, it will be well." She shrugs lightly, leaving the city to its own problems. "Too much drink, it can make things tres interesting..." She glances at Desmond with a warm, teasing look, her eyes creasing at the corners as she does so. "Will you carry me home, mon chat? If I get a little tipsy?"
Desmond will nod his head to Leo. "This is good. Most who overundulge end up removed when they become too.. rambunctious." He then replies to Aimee, "Of course. Our paths are one." There is an obvious shift again, notable when he addresses her. A softness in his tone and expression as he looks to her. "I did promise before to guard you." His armored fingertips drawing lightly along her hip, despite that he could not feel her through the protective shell. There is a pause, his expression shifting again. A bit more serious, but still not untouched by her nearness. "We should speak tonight, you and I. I have thoughts to share when we are at rest."
"I think things could be interesting enough already." Leonard is not clear on whether his reference is to the immediate surroundings or the city propr. He then takes the liberty of stepping off to order another drink, allowing the couple a brief semblance of privacy.
"You did, mon chat." Desmond's words gain him a warm smile, teasing as he touches her. "Thoughts, is it? Perhaps, mon chat, you are serious tonight." She nudges him lightly with her hip, reaching past him to take up her glass. Leonard's comment does not go unnoticed. "I agree, boring would perhaps be a little goodness..." Her language slips a little, distracted for a second.
"I am, but you know me," Desmond tells Aimee simply, not shying from her accusation. He looks to Leo for a thoughtful moment before he rumbles, ."Considering the location of this city and the hostilities between the Coalition and Tolkeen, I doubt that there will be any 'boring' times." He looks to Aimee and adds, "But it could mean a considerable increase in profits."
Leonard returns with a repeat drink, and a smirk for Desmond. "I'm sure the 'mighty and benevolent' Coalition has all manner of designs for this city..." A swallow of alcohol does little to remove the sarcasm from his lips. "All of which would be unpleasant. At times, I wish something larger and more unfriendly would wriggle its way out of The Gate and wander their way. I'm not sure which preys upon us more."
Aimee shudders lightly, her face becoming serious. "The Coalition, it is not so good. Perhaps, for us, we would leave before they come." She glances at Desmond, her face solemn. "Me, I wish we could wipe them from the world, make them vanish." She shrugs, dismissing the bloodthirsty tone of her words, "I wish, me, we could be safe from them, but non, I think they come here."
"In the now, they will not. At least, not in force. Tolkeen, from what I hear, will be no small challenge to them," Desmond rumbles. "But infiltrators? Yes, I have little doubt they will come. If they have not yet already." His eyes flick to Leo, considering him quietly for a moment before his attention lowers to Aimee. "We will when the time is right, yes. If they come in sizable enough numbers that to stay would be death. Should events elsewhere play out in our favor, that may never come to pass."
"A bit of favor would be rather nice." Leonard chuckles despite the subject matter, possibly with the help of another sip. His glance to the couple is then somewhat apologetic. "I didn't mean to sour the evening. As the lady implied, we shouldn't always be so serious. Others seem to be enjoying themselves." He gestures nonspecifically to those around them who are dancing, laughing, and generally merry and/or inebriated.
"Tolkeen, ..." Aimee muses the city, her face thoughtful before she sips her drink once more. For a moment, she is silent, until Desmond replies to her. "This is so." She replies softly, and then Leonard's comments make her smile, green eyes warm, amusement in her face. "Non, the evening it is not soured. Merely, serious." She glances across at the barstaff and drinks for the three are placed beside them without a word.
When it comes to Desmond and his drinks, the glass that is set down for him is a simple glass of water, which he takes carefully. "This is an evening of work for me, such a thing is rarely a time of great amusement." His attention shifts to Aimee and he rumbles lowly to her, "Perhaps you might dance with him, if you would seek a diversion. I don't doubt you have had seriousness enough with the papers and all they entail." He then drinks from the glass, draining half of the contents in one go.
After drinks appear with but a glance, Leonard begins to wonder if Aimee's talents should be considered could be considered much more mystical than his own. "I guess that saves me a few steps..." He offers her a grin before nodding somewhat absently to Desmond, having perhaps missed or misinterpereted his suggestion.
Aimee glances at Desmond, a tiny shake of her head. "And I? I am not working? I have to return..." She comments softly, a tiny crease between her eyes. She takes her glass, sipping it lightly before she speaks again. "I think, me, I will leave you two gentlemen to your discussion, oh so serious, and I, I will return to my paperwork." She turns, pressing a kiss lightly against Desmond's cheek, before giving Leonard a smile.
"If you so wish it," he rumbles lowly to Aimee, leaning in to receive the kiss and return it gently. "I will be in to look in on you soon, My Aimee. I would not wish you to work too hard for too long." He will release her then, but a hand will linger on her hip for as long as she is near enough to him. And for her retreat from the two, his eyes will follow her. Indeed, Leo will be left without attention for at least a few moments.
The lack of attention is not an uncommon situation for Leonard, nor can he hold any blame on Desmond for the focus elsewhere. A nod and smile to Aimee follow, in farewell. "Try not to work too hard." Aimee gives them both a warm smile, a teasing look over her shoulder as she walks away, a deliberate teasing sway in her hips.
It'll only be after she disappears from sight that Desmond looks back towards Leo. Breathes out deeply and lifts the glass again, slowly draining the glass in his hand before he lays it down on the end of the bar once more. "Pardon me, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable with the offer that was made."
"Not at all... she seems as intriguing as she is attractive." Leonard continues to smile, somewhere between wry humor and the growing buzz. At least he was aware of the offer, if not how to react to it. "Maybe I would have accepted if she had offered. You are fortunate." His dwindling drink is only nursed, now, and the most recent remains untouched.
"I am," Desmond rumbles in simple agreement. "She and I share a relaxed relationship. I hold no jealousy over her, for I know where her heart lies. And that is important above all else. Thus you should not hesitate to ask at a later time if you are so inclined. She enjoys dancing. And singing." There is a pause, then he asks, "Have you one who draws you?" Leonard nods, lifting his glass in another mild salute. "Ah. Then you are luckier than I thought. Jealousy or no, I don't think I would, in truth. I am not much for dancing, and... yes, my interest has been drawn." The drink is then emptied before it is set aside. "Although I don't have nearly the insight into the heart as you with Aimee. Still exploring the unknown, so to speak."
"What I know of her I did not discover in a brief period. Nor easily so. Indeed, for us things could have turned out differntly in the end, but it ended well," Desmond replies, his head dipping once in a slow nod. "And though I know much, I do not know all of her." His attention flits towards where the woman had gone for just a moment before returning to Leo. "We have been together no more than a year. Not joined in the way of humans, but one in the ways that matter." He pauses a thoughtful moment, then wonders, "Tell me of the one who draws you?"
"I don't think anyone can ever know everything of any person or thing. Not that it keeps us from trying." Leonard chuckles, eyes considering the remaining glass a long moment before continuing with it left as is. "She is... a pile of contradictions... open to and looking for others' views, but fiercely independent with her own opinions. Her goals, or those that I know, are rather selfless and beneficial, yet she has also made them seem nothing more than a means of income." His lips curl wryly as he finally looks up to the large feline. "The moment I think I can predict her, she does something surprising. I'm not sure if not knowing what might happen next is exciting... or frustrating."
"Both," Desmond rumbles simply. "At times, Aimee is like that. A bit less so now, but early on it was hard to tell how she might react to any one thing," he says thoughtfully. "Though perhaps not so much so as you describe. It must be a confusing thing. What do you plan to do to learn her better? For such a thing doe snot come without effort put into it. Though one must take care to not press too firmly too soon. That was a mistake I made with Aimee."
Leonard nods, exhaling a slight sigh. "Therein lies much of the issue, doesn't it? There is some line that I don't want to cross prematurely, but I don't know where it's drawn. She is also fond of action over words, which doesn't help in the slightest. Hesitate and risk falling behind, or rush forward and hope to see what's ahead before running into it..." He shakes his head in self-amusement.
Desmond nods his head once to that and considers Leo thoughtfully for a time. Though after those moments of pause he speaks steadily and without hesitation. "Then you know already the risks that there are to take. Yours is to determine the proper path. Not knowing her, I could not say. But I would offer this. From Aimee, I have learned that females enjoy knowing that you wish to know them in ways deeper than one might the next person on the street. Discovering her interests, her preferences, this is a way to the insight you need." He nods his head once and adds, "On that journey, perhaps, you might figure out the precise path that will lead you to what you desire." Not the deepest of advice, but he gives it earnestly enough.
Regardless of depth, the advice is heard, and likely stored away. "If only the landmarks were more easily found. I will keep your words in mind, thank you." Leonard returns the nod to Desmond. "They obviously have merit. I doubt it will be an easy path to follow, but nothing worthwhile ever is."
"This is true of many things in life," Desmond replies. The time is late, perhaps seven in the evening on a Saturday and the Alibi is busy. People from all strata of life mill and mingle over a drink or out on the dance floor. Desmond and Leonard are standing near to one end of the bar itself, the stall feline observing the human with a thoughtful expression on his otherwise neutrally set face. "Do you have intent to pursue this deeply? Your words strike a chord with my own thoughts not long ago, yet I am not always sure when it comes to the ways of humans. the way many of you think is not in line with my own ways."
"I... think so?" Leonard hesitates briefly as he considers his own thoughts. "It isn't just a whim of fancy, if that's what you mean..." He sounds reasonably convinced of that much, at least. A glance is given the drink before he straightens with a wry smirk. "Perhaps I should see to hunting that path tonight, rather than drink... while I can still walk." Ah, the joys of liquid courage.
Thull scratches himself while standlying idly near the entrance. His eyes roam over the bar yearningly and carefuly examine every bottle. He takes a hesitant step forward..then stops
Weighing in at barely over 120lbs, Thull is a wirey lad with a half grown in mustashe. He wears homespun garments made from various animal hides. His clothing is stained with oil. On his head sits a leather hat with muffs that go over his ears. He stands at a rather short height and has a square jaw and crooked nose that looks to have been broken in the past. When he talks it is with a heavy canadian accent. He does not sound educated in the least, drawling heavily and often pronouncing words. Thull always carries a bow slung across his back and at least a few arrows. Over his sholders is a homespun cloak stiched together from deer pelts. It covers his scrawny sholders as well as his backpack.
Desmond considers Leo mutely for a moment before he offers, "You should be certain of your path before you proceed too far. This is not to say that you do not yet, but it is a question that should be asked of the self. How far one seeks to go on a path is as important as how it is walked." He then nods his head once and lifts his eyes, gazing about as he rumbles, "If you would seek in the now, then seek. Take care in the fog, however. Times are troublesome." He spots Thull then, gazing at him thoughtfully for the moment.
Thull says, "stammers uhhh ..n..n.nice kitty"
Leonard nods to Desmond and steps from the drinks. "It will be an interesting journey, at least. Hopefully yours will be as..." He turns to note the lean man who pauses and stammers, then continues with a short laugh, "...interesting." Lest he fall victim to a risky third drink, Leonard begins to walk towards the exit.
Desmond responds to Thull's words with a firming of his neutral expression, but otherwise seems unbothered. Leo will get a slight nod from him before Desmond moves towards the other man. Though he doesn't approach too near before pausing and asking in a steady rumble, "Are you in need of anything?"
Thull blinks at desmon speaking to him, an amazed look coming over his face. After a few moments he stammers again "I could use a drink...dunno the laws here eh? they got any moonshine?"
Desmond glances towards the bar, then back towards the human before he rumbles deeply, "You are in Dregtown. There is no law here save those made by the inhabitants. Within this place, we are the law and keep the order. If you wish a drink you may have one, though if you overindulge and disrupt the peace, you will be ejected." There is a pause before he adds, "I do not know this.. 'moonshine' you speak of. The selection here is, however, otherwise adequate."
Thull clears his throat. "No law eh? Aint that somethin. So you work here or what?" Thull turns away from his peering at the bottles and stares at Desmon. "I recond with somethin like you guardin the place noones gonna cause a ruckus, certainly not me eh?"
"I am part owner of this establishment and I head the security detail," Desmond clarifies. "It is not common that my assistance is needed in keeping order, all of our personnel are skilled." He then nods his head once more. "The city does not have official say in Dregtown. Outside of it, you are under their rules and their protection. Here, the only protection you have is what you have personally. Or amongst those who follow you." There is a thoughtful pause as he asks, "You are new to this place, yes?"
Thull scratches his head and regards Desmon suspiciously. "I jus rolled into town a few nights ago yeah, that dont mean I'm fresh meat or something though eh? I been around the woods and back eh. Been squatin around here for the time being..."
"You mistake my intent," Desmond replies steadily. "At the very least, you need not worry in this place. It is neutral ground. None bring their disputes here and none violate the peace that we provide. Those are our only solid rules. As you are new to the city, I would offer you some advice. Do not enter the deep Dregs without good reason, unless it is to go to the Kinght's Hospital. That region is quite dangerous to any."
Thull simply shrugs before going on "Well, names Thull. I'll go where I wana but thanks fer the advice. I jus wandered in to these here parts a lookin for work. I like all your fancy bottles here. You guys brew this stuff yerself? It was one of me ole brother Clem's favorit pasttimes, the brewing."
Desmond merely nods to the first, letting the topic drop there. "No, we buy all of our liquors. But if there is a certain mix of them that suits your fancy, our bartenders will accommodate your needs." He motions towards said individuals who are hard at work. On the subject of work, that depends entirely on what it is you know how to do and how well you do it."
Thull grins sheepishly. "Well I'm a woodsman from ther wilds of Canada eh? I could brew you some mean moonshine, its got quite a kick if ya know what i mean. Clear as the waters of a stream it be." Thull points to one of the bottles containing a clear liquor and tries to order some from the bartender. "Lets see how yours tastes eh? Mines rightously srong, we'd use it for fuel as well as drink it back home". Thull says, ""I wouldn't even charge ya but hardly nothin. I just need ta find me a still...""
Desmond considers for a few moments before he rumbles, "Perhaps. You might speak with Aimee on this, one of my partners in the running of this establishment. She has more knowledge of liquors than I as I am not one to partake of them, save on rare occasions." The bartender will, of course, provide the drink selected amid handling other orders. "I am more apt to let her decide if such a drink should join the many we already offer."
Thull winces slightly before muttering in a gruff voice "well uhh..yeah I could hunt ye up some choice meats of deer and whatnot, I can cook a fair bit too. Its hard as hell t'find decent spices around these woods though, ive been eating naughth but unflavored venison for too long"
"That too would need to be discussed with her, though I doubt such services will be needed here. This is not to say that there will not be others who would find your talents useful," Desmond replies evenly. "There are many opportunities to be had for those who would seek them. It is only a matter of discovering them for yourself."
Thull scratches his chin idly while staring at Desmon. "Well I suppose yer right aint ya. But I ain't never been to the big city before, fraid all I've been doin is wandering about tryin not to get squashed by all the big cars and fancy flyin boats"
Like a gentle breeze, the light auburn haired woman known as Sage enters the club. With a brief pause at the security check point, she wanders further into the club. Her gaze drifts over towards the stage to check to see if there's any interesting acts today or if its solely DJ'd music. Either way, she makes her way over towards the bar.
Desmond frowns faintly, though the expression is more thoughtful than upset. "I see. You should seek employment then. As well as lodgings. Unfortunately, I can help you with neither." He does lift a hand in a brief motion towards the rest of the Alibi. "Only a place that is safe." His eyes flick outward, considering the room briefly.
Thull looks Sage up and down with a pleased nod and smile. "Good day ma'am"
As Sage approaches the bar, her attention is drawn to the large feline first. "Hey Desmond..." She greets him with a small smile before she hears another male voice. She glances over to the other man that greets her. "Hey..." She replies, briefly considering him before looking towards the bartender. "I'll have a Chias sweet."
Desmond fixes on Sage as she approaches the bar, meeting her greeting with a nod of his head and a deep rumbled, "Sage. I trust all has been well for you." His tone betraying a casual interest in such matters.
Thull stares off into space for a moment before returning his gaze on Desmond "Well I suppose I might poke around dregtown for a squat for tonight... You know any promisin spots with a view?" Thull chuckles slightly.
Sage's gaze drifts back to the feline, "I've been able to keep out of all the commotion caused by that Elf's arrival, if that's what you mean." She replies, "And yourself?" She asks before pausing to briefly look around. "And, what kind of feedback did you get from that Valentine's event?" She asks before glancing over to the other man. "You'll probably want to be careful in the Dregs... especially since you look kind of like I did when I came here." She notes simply before turning to accept her drink from the bartender with a murmured 'thanks'.
Desmond shakes his head slightly in response to Thull's question, seeming to take it seriously. "I can only repeat my prior statement. the northern or western regions are safer than the south." He then looks to Sage and considers a moment. "All here has been relatively quiet. There was some trouble initially.. the undercurrents of the division between people. But anytime an argument rises over such things, all who participate are ushered out. Thus those who frequent here know to keep such talk relaxed and tempers low. As to the event, it was successful. I am not sure of Aimee's precise evaluation, but she did seem pleased by the results."
looks towards the door with a wince "I dont mind stickin to the safer parts eh? Not lookin to get me neck chopped off quite yet" Thull unconciously addjusts his leather jerkin and continues looking in the direction of the door. He puts his hand under his chin in a contemplative pose. "I figure I got a few more hours to make up my mind fore dark sets in eh? You've been mighty helpful fella I'd buy you a shot if you wern't on duty eh?"
A faint nod greets the feline's words as Sage takes her first sip of the sweet light liquor drink. She smiles softly to the new that Aimee seemed pleased. "And, did either of you have any of that cheesecake or did you offer it to other people?" She asks with a curious tone, before glancing briefly to the man. When the man speaks only to the feline, she simply chips in a "Take care." before looking away.
"The sentiment is appreciated, but as I noted before, I don't drink often," Desmond reminds Thull. "Be well." After those simple words of parting, he looks to Sage. "We partook of it. It was rather nice. Something I think I shall attempt to create myself in time. It will be the fifth type of cake I have attempted. That there are so many styles is pleasing."
Sage smiles at the news that her cake was well received, "I'm glad to hear that." She replies, before raising a brow faintly. "That makes me wonder what the other types of cake you've made were... and how well they turned out." She chuckles a little after saying the last part in a light tone.
Desmond rattles off the following names without pause. "Black forest cake, pineapple upside down cake, angel food cake, devils food cake and a bundt cake. Though even with the last, there are many variations that I have not tried yet. Not to mention other such confections of various sizes and types. It is curious how broadly the desert aspect of cooking spreads." The topic seeming to interest the big cat.
Sage purses her lips as she considers the names of the cakes that are brought up by the feline, and gives a faint nod of acknowledgement. She gives a soft chuckle to the comment about how broad the choices for dessert are. "Well, cooking is vary broad over all... but pleasurable things tend to be explored in-depth." She comments, "Of course, not every variety will appeal to everyone." She gives a slight shrug, before considering the feline. "Perhaps I can find something that would challenge you..." She offers.
Desmond bobs his head once and rumbles, "But with that breadth, there is always something new to explore, which is favorable." He cants his head slightly then and considers a moment. "What manner of challenge is this? Thus far nothing about cooking has been too deeply challenging, though I would not call myself a master at it. There is always a scale of quality, even when one succeeds in the creation of a recipe."
With the feline's first comment, Sage merely nods in agreement as she has no argument there. A mild mischievous look comes into her feature when the feline inquires about the challenge she's considering posing. "Well, there are certain dishes that require some precision or timing as they are more fragile than most dishes... while others require an additional amount of preparation." She notes softly, "I suppose you could call them high risk and reward dishes."
Desmond nods his head once and is thoughtful on that for a moment. "I would enjoy an attempt at such a thing," he rumbles deeply. "Such a challenge would be a worthy thing to master. For the act of it and for something to present to Aimee." He nods his head again, then pauses, glancing towards the back office. "I should go to check on her," he adds. "Enjoy your time here, Sage," he adds with another dip of his head.
A pleased smile comes to Sage's lips as the feline accepts a potential challenge and a mischievous look lingers in her eyes. "I'm sure she would appreciate the effort, and the reward if you're successful." She comments, before nodding faintly to him again. "Take care, Desmond." She replies, before she turns to regard the club with a thoughtful look as she ponders what she might get up to.
